‘Gypsy’ Star Naomi Watts Explains Why She Accepted Jean Holloway Role

Naomi Watts has been in the industry for several years, but she’s never had a series regular role on television. But this changed when the actress accepted the role of lead character Jean Holloway in Netflix’s original series, “Gypsy.”

While speaking with E! News, the actress revealed what made her say yes to the project. “It’s fun to play people who are struggling with things. It makes good, juicy drama. I’m always interested in human flaws, and she’s definitely full of them. I feel like everyone has a dark side, everyone has desires, but not all of us act on them in the same way she does… That makes it interesting to play that kind of character,” she explained.

Read: Naomi Watts stars in new “Gypsy” trailer

Netflix’s latest psychological thriller follows the life of Jean, a Manhattan therapist who appears to have everything going for her. But at one point in her life, she begins to engage in intimate and illicit relationships with the people that her clients talk about during their sessions. It doesn’t take a very long time before it becomes clear that Jean herself needs some mental care of her own.

However, despite Watts’ excitement over her newest role, “Gypsy” did not receive all positive reviews from critics. Deadline’s Dominic Patten claimed that the actress’ talents were wasted on the show. Patten also called the show a “non-thrilling exercise in temptation and betrayal.” The Guardian’s Julia Raeside had a similar review of the Netflix series, which started streaming on June 30. The writer noted that the execution of the plot was “awful.”

Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Watts was involved in a project that did not fare well with critics. Her latest movie, “The Book of Henry,” also received negative reactions from viewers. Director Colin Treverrow expressed his disappointment over the comments and said that they were “heartbreaking” to hear and read.

While speaking with The Empire Film Podcast, Treverrow admitted that he was surprised with the reactions since they tested the film before it was released in theaters in the United States, and it received good reviews. “So it is hugely disappointing? It is. I do stand by the movie,” he said.